2021 Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Semi-Final – Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov Preview & Prediction

Select the sports you want to hear about and TSZ will send the best previews, analysis and predictions straight to your inbox. Sign up today!

THE FACTS

When is Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov on and what time does it start? Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov will take place on Friday 17^th December, 2021 – not before 13:00 (UK)

Where is Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov taking place? Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov will take place at the International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE

What surface is Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov being played on? Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov will take place on an outdoor hard court

Where can I get tickets for Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov

What channel is Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov on? Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov will be televised live on Eurosport

Where can I stream Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Andrey Rublev vs Denis Shapovalov live on Sky Go, while the Eurosport website and app can also be used in addition to discovery+

THE PREDICTION

World number 14 Denis Shapovalov was excellent in a straight-sets victory over Taylor Fritz at the Mubadala Tennis Championship on Thursday, handing the American a second-set bagel along the way. The 22-year-old’s high-risk serving suits a fast-paced court here and this looks a really interesting battle with world number five Andrey Rublev with the Russian coming across as jaded at the Davis Cup Finals last month. 24-year-old Rublev won all but one of his matches as the RTF’s second option to help win the Davis Cup crown but it seems odd for him to have come to Abu Dhabi when a long rest looked his best option this December. Shapovalov is likely to be the more spritely of the two and a showdown with either of Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray will seriously motivate him to succeed here. Take the Canadian to win at least a set as the likelier of two very capable winners. Rublev is coming in a little cold having not played on Thursday too.